Zensah Smart Running Gloves Review by Kelly Agnew

December 10, 20133 min read

We all have different thoughts when it comes to cold weather running. Some of us embrace it with enthusiasm and some of us dive into a ritualistic, months long hibernation, waiting on more favorable running conditions to return.

Most of us are somewhere in the middle.

As an avid and competitive ultra runner, I don’t have much of a choice in the matter. Because I run in ultra distance events, 12 months out of the year, I need to maintain a high volume training regimen and that means I’ll be running outside without regard to the weather conditions.

To be effective in my training runs, I have to be comfortable and confident in my cold weather gear selections. I need reliable, well-built, functional and affordable clothing.

Zensah Smart Running Gloves

Running gloves are always the biggest issue for me when I’m running in the colder temperatures. I’ve tried dozens of brands, only to learn that they don’t meet all of my needs. If my hands aren’t warm, I can’t focus on my run. If my gloves aren’t functional, they’re a hindrance. If I’m distracted during my run because of a poorly performing product, then I’m not accomplishing my goals. This is why the right gear is so critical.

I recently began running with the Zensah Smart Running Gloves. This selection was intended to replace a pair of gloves that were billed as “smart gloves” but turned out to be anything but.

The Zensah Smart Running Gloves are designed to be thin and lightweight, yet they’re still remarkably warm. This, obviously, is the most important feature when selecting a running glove.

But, I still need more from my running gloves.

If you’re like me, you frequently (or almost always) carry your smart phone while running, especially on long runs. A lot of companies are manufacturing gloves that allow us to utilize the touch screens on our devices, but these gloves are the only pair I’ve used that actually live up to that claim consistently and under all imaginable conditions. I frequently use my camera feature on my iPhone while I’m running and this is arguably the most complicated task you can imagine while wearing gloves. I was pleasantly surprised that I’m able to manipulate all the required functions without having to remove my gloves and expose them to the frigid conditions.

Another great feature is the silicon gripping material in the palms of each glove. I found this innovation to be extremely useful whether I was carrying my iPhone or a water bottle. Things tend to want to slip out of my gloved hands when I’m running and these gripping pads do an amazing job of reducing that risk, as well as reducing the energy I need to expend in grasping my belongings, mile after mile.

There’s one more feature that I really love and is evidence that Zensah truly understands the needs of their outdoor athlete customers. The thumb sections on each glove are made from a micro suede material and are designed to be used for wiping your nose. While it may not be the most appealing thought, I can assure you, this is a feature that any wintertime runner can appreciate. I take advantage of this thoughtful innovation frequently and am rightfully appreciative after each use.

When I first acquired my Zensah Smart Running Gloves, I went into it with low expectations because that’s what I’ve become accustomed to with gloves made by other companies. However, I was instantly pleased with the warmth, durability and functionality of these gloves. Zensah has done a fantastic job through the design process and they have built the best running gloves currently on the market. Now I have one less distraction on my early morning winter runs. What more can I ask for?